Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/children-literacy
Have you ever wondered if children could learn to read and write as effortlessly as they learn to speak? Coursera’s ‘Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally’ course delves into this fascinating possibility, offering a refreshing perspective on early literacy development. This short yet impactful course challenges conventional wisdom and explores the potential for children to acquire written language without formal instruction, much like their spoken language acquisition.
Led by insightful instructors, the course navigates through key aspects of behavioral science and technology that support this natural acquisition theory. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the perceptual, cognitive, and neurological capabilities of young children in their formative years. It’s a journey that significantly advances your comprehension of how children learn and interact with the world around them.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured to build your knowledge progressively. Week 1 lays the groundwork by introducing the concept of universal literacy, highlighting the distinctions between spoken and written language, and exploring models of perception and processing. It sets the stage for understanding the implications of a natural acquisition model.
Week 2 dives into the intricacies of acquiring both spoken and written language. You’ll discover the influences on language learning, the concept of iconicity, and the remarkable recognition skills of infants. The week also examines the visual processes involved in reading and the fascinating phenomenon of rapid serial visual processing.
Finally, Week 3 tackles the nature of reading itself, debunking common myths and critically evaluating current approaches to teaching reading. It also touches upon the demographics of literacy and illiteracy, concluding with an inspiring look at technological innovations that could further support natural literacy development.
For anyone interested in child development, education, or simply curious about the science of learning, ‘Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally’ is a highly recommended course. It provides a thought-provoking and evidence-based exploration that can reshape how we think about teaching children to read and write.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/children-literacy